S&P Affirms Hungary's BBB- Rating With Stable Outlook
S&P Global Ratings affirmed Hungary's BBB- sovereign rating with a stable outlook at a scheduled review on Friday, according to a report by state news wire MTI.
In its rationale for the rating action, S&P pointed to falling inflation, a marked reduction in the current account deficit, albeit supported by lower global energy prices, and a recovery of the forint's exchange rate.
S&P projects a 0.5% contraction of GDP in 2023 but sees the economy expanding by 2.6% in 2024.
Fiscal consolidation will "remain more challenging", S&P said, projecting general government deficits of 5.2% of GDP in 2023 and 4.5% in 2024. State debt levels are expected to "broadly stabilize" at around 72% of GDP until 2026, the rating agency added.
S&P's projections are based on the assumption that Hungary and the EU will ultimately reach an agreement and some of the country's EU funding will be released in the first half of 2024.
The agency could lower the sovereign rating if Hungary's EU funding is "significantly" cut or the country's energy supply is constrained, given its still-high import dependence on Russia. The rating could be raised if Hungary's twin deficits are reduced more quickly than expected.
Government Acknowledges Drop in Motor Fuel Prices
EU Affairs Ministry, AmCham Sign Strategic Partnership Deal
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
